Blue-Green Algae Monitoring Volunteer Opportunities

A volunteer monitor observes water in Lake Champlain. Photo by A. Freeman.

Now in it's ninth year, the Lake Champlain Committee's Blue-Green Algae Monitoring Program is in full swing with over 100 individuals trained on how to identify this potentially toxic form of cyanobacteria. Join LCC's efforts and learn how you can become a volunteer monitor.

Volunteers learn how to distinguish blue-green algae from other floating phenomena and how to <link get-involved volunteers bga-monitors bga-report _blank internal-link>submit reports to LCC on-line through a scheduled in-person or phone training session. Potential monitors should be prepared to commit about 1/2 hour per week between July and Labor Day. Monitoring should take place between 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday, and reports submitted by Tuesday at noon. Please contact Mike Winslow (802-658-1461, mikew@lakechamplaincommittee.org) if you are interested in setting up a training session.

LCC's Blue-Green Algae Monitoring Program provides critical data on where and when blooms are happening and helps inform public health officials as to whether the water is safe for swimming. Volunteer monitors are critical in observing multiple regions of Lake Champlain.